Neil Jones, Chair of Trustees for the Thrive Partnership Academy Trust, said: “The recent reviews gave us a much better appreciation of the challenges that both schools face.

“We have also been listening to the comments and concerns of our parents as well as being realistic about the challenges that the schools face.

“Taking everything into account, the Board agreed that the best way forward is through inviting new, stronger Trusts to take over the running of the schools.

“Our absolute priority is to make any transition as seamless as possible and to ensure minimum disruption to our pupils and staff. As such, we have decided to move quickly to enable the re-brokering process to be concluded over the summer so that both schools are part of new supportive Trusts as soon as possible.”

The schools re-brokering process is being managed by the Regional Schools Commissioner’s Office. A number of suitable Multi-Academy Trusts have been thought to have expressed an interest in taking on the two schools.

“What went wrong”

Will Quince, MP for Colchester, said: “Questions will rightly be asked, what went wrong with the Thrive Partnership Trust.

“My priority has been and remains, the education of pupils at Philip Morant, and that the school works with parents to rebuild trust and reputation.”

The Trust is said to be mindful of potential impact on staff and is understood to be keeping them fully informed of process, including consultation.